New Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has insisted she is not a "puppet" for her predecessor Gerry Adams, after denying the former leader's influence means he is effectively still in charge of the party, writes Fiachra Ó Cionnaith. After an unbroken 35 years in charge which stemmed the darkest period of the Troubles and the peace process, on Saturday Gerry Adams was officially replaced by Mary Lou McDonald as Sinn Féin leader in a one-person race at a special ard fhéis at the RDS in Dublin. While the move has been framed by Sinn Féin supporters as a key moment in the party's development, critics have said in reality Mr Adams is still in charge. Asked about the claim in interviews on Sky News and RTE's The Week in Politics, Ms McDonald insisted that despite claims to the contrary she is now the leader of Sinn Féin. "Gerry has led from the front for a very long time but I am the leader of Sinn Féin and I will lead.

Source: Irish Examiner February 11, 2018 14:48 UTC